France's political landscape has been dramatically reshaped following the first round of parliamentary elections, with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party leading the polls. The RN garnered almost 35% of the vote, positioning itself ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, which secured around 28%, and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance, which fell to a surprising third place with around 20.5%.
The unexpected results have set the stage for a potential transformation in French governance, as the RN is projected to win between 230 and 280 seats in the National Assembly, a significant increase from its previous count of 88. However, it remains uncertain whether the RN will be able to secure the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority, hinting at the possibility of difficult post-electoral discussions and political instability.
Le Pen, addressing an elated crowd in Henin-Beaumont, emphasized the importance of the upcoming second round on July 7, describing it as "decisive". Echoing her sentiments, RN President Jordan Bardella highlighted the historical significance of the vote, declaring it "one of the most decisive in the entire history of the Fifth Republic".
Macron, whose snap election gamble followed a poor performance in the European Parliament elections, faces a precarious future. Should the RN fail to achieve an outright majority, Macron might be compelled to navigate a challenging cohabitation with a prime minister from an opposition party, potentially from the far-left.
The election results have sparked anti-far-right protests in cities like Paris and Lyon, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition to the RN's ascent. As France braces for the second round, the nation remains on edge, with the political direction of Europe's second-largest economy hanging in the balance.
Jakub Marian
7/4/24